Discover the raw beauty of Crete on this guided day tour from Rethymno to Preveli. Take the opportunity to visit Preveli Beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan Sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach. Relax ─ your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride. Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain.
Connected to Preveli Beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited. Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forests, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge
Our day begins in the morning with your pick up from your hotel. After our coach ride we arrive at the beautiful Damnoni beach, where our boat is waiting for us to take us on a 30-minute boat ride to our first stop of the day, the magnificent beach of Preveli. As we approach our destination, you will be amazed by the unique landscape surrounding us that consists of vertical cliffs of the gorge, the beautiful palm-tree forest and the crystal clear water of the beach. The Grand River ( Megalos Potamos ) that runs through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and then empties into the sea, makes the water cool and refreshing, ideal for an amazing swim break. On the banks of the river there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. Walk along the sandy beach, under the shade of the palm trees and experience the exotic side of Crete.
We then head back to Damnoni beach, a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters where you can continue your swim and have a delicious meal in one of the traditional restaurants located there.
Our last stop of the day is the lovely city of Rethymno. Mostly known for its Venetian fortress, called Fortezza, Rethymno is considered to be a jewel of the island. Whether you choose to scroll around the narrow streets or have a coffee next to its beautiful Venetian port, you will have an unforgettable experience!
Following pick-up at your hotel. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Kourtaliótiko Gorge as you make your way to the beautiful beach of Preveli.
Get breathtaking views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea contrasting with the lush green of the palm forest and lagoon.
The first stop is Damnoni beach. From here you will take the boat over to Palm beach. Take some free time to soak in all the beauty of the clear blue waters combined with the lagoon and palm forest.
Enjoy time to purchase lunch and refreshments in Damnoni and admire its beautiful clean beach. After Damnoni we will visit the small fisher village Plakias. Journey back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival.
Start your day at Spili, a small and beautiful village very popular for the lion head fountains, by relaxing under the trees while enjoying a Greek cup of coffee. Try honey and olive oil from local producers. Visit the folks museum and learn about the Cretan history.
Then explore the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk through the rising rock walls and admire the incredible natural scenery, before you reach the lonely chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Listen to the ethereal sound of the wind, created by its movement through the gorge. Reach the springs of Kourtaliotis, where you swim under the waterfalls.
Arrive at the exotic coastal resort of Kalypso, an old pirate shelter. Relax on Karavos beach, which has recently become a national park. Walk across the towering rocks and dive into the turquoise water of the Libyan Sea.
Ammoudi beaches are located 32 kilometers south of Rethymno and 5 kilometers east of Plakias village. Ammoudi beaches are accessible via a paved road from the village of Lefkogia. This road leads you directly to the first beach, Ammoudi, recognizable by its distinctive green slippery rock. Ammoudi beach has a slight organization, with available amenities such as umbrellas, nearby taverns and rooms, and even a scuba diving centre. Ammoudi Beach offers white sand, rocky seabed, and bright green waters, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. There’s also the option to find shade and camp under the many tamarisk trees located next to the beach.
Heading west from Ammoudi, a dirt road begins that will take you towards Damnoni, passing by towering cliffs and impressive rocks. Just 200m west of Ammoudi, along this dirt road, you’ll discover a parking plateau that offers an unrestricted view of Damnoni. Here, you’ll see an enchanting miniature sandy beach, featuring turquoise waters and a unique rock in the sea. Known as Klisidi, this beach is an attractive choice when not crowded, though this is rare during peak season.
Adjacent to Klisidi, you’ll encounter the stunning nudist beach of Small Ammoudi or Ammoudaki. This small beach is popular among nudists for its turquoise waters and exceptional white coarse sand. It also has a small canteen offering umbrellas and sunbeds. On the beach’s west side, you can swim in a marine cave, where the sunlight turns the water a vibrant blue. You can easily walk on the sandy seabed. There’s also an underwater hole connecting Ammoudaki with Klisidi, allowing you to travel between the two beaches with just a dive. If you wish to reach the Ammoudi beaches on foot, simply walk east of Damnoni until you reach Ammoudaki.
Skinaria Beach (also spelled Schinaria or Shinaria) is a small, secluded beach on the south coast of Crete, 33 km south of Rethymno and 3 km south of the village of Lefkogia, in the eastern part of the Plakias area. It is best known for exceptionally clear water over a rocky, marine-rich seabed, which makes it one of the finest snorkelling and scuba-diving spots in the region.
The beach has soft grey-beige sand mixed with fine pebbles and deep, turquoise water. The seabed is mostly rocky, while the northern part of the beach is sandy. Small freshwater ponds sit on the shore, fed by springs that carry water down from the surrounding mountains, and the lush vegetation around them gives the area a tropical feel. The bay is framed by rock on either side, so the sea surface usually stays calm and the entry is gentle.
Skinaria is quieter than Crete’s headline beaches. It sees far fewer visitors than nearby resorts, though the single tavern and the small car park can fill on peak-season afternoons.
Skinaria has one of the richest seabeds on the island, and its water is clear enough to see more than 40 metres horizontally. Snorkellers and divers share the water with morays, blackfish and octopuses, and divers often describe the rocky seabed as being like an aquarium. A scuba-diving centre operates in the area and draws visitors from across Crete, which makes the beach a reliable choice for a day in the water rather than only on the sand.
A narrow road runs down to Skinaria from Lefkogia, roughly 2 km, and the beach is signposted from the village. Along the way, look for a cylindrical cave set inside a rock on your left. There is no direct public bus to the beach, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. A small parking area sits beside the beach; it is enough for beachgoers but gets cramped at peak times, so arriving earlier in the day helps. A rented car is also the most flexible way to reach Skinaria if you want to combine it with other stops in the Plakias area, and you can rent a car in Crete for the trip.
Skinaria is only slightly organised. A local tavern serves refreshments and traditional Greek dishes and offers a few umbrellas and sunbeds, which on our last visit were free with a purchase. There is little natural shade, so bringing water and sun protection is sensible. The calm, shallow-entry bay is safe for children, and naturists tend to use the left-hand side, which leaves the rest of the beach for families and other visitors.
Two nearby beaches are within a short drive: the Ammoudi beaches to the west, and the larger, better-organised Damnoni beach a little further along the coast.
Skinaria Beach is on the south coast of Crete, 33 km south of Rethymno and 3 km south of the village of Lefkogia, in the eastern part of the Plakias area. It faces the Libyan Sea.
To reach Skinaria Beach, drive the narrow road, roughly 2 km long, down from Lefkogia; the turn is signposted from the village. There is no direct public bus, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. A small parking area sits beside the beach.
Yes. The water is exceptionally clear, often more than 40 metres horizontally, and the rocky seabed holds abundant marine life, including morays, blackfish and octopuses. A scuba-diving centre operates in the area, and snorkellers can see plenty from the surface.
Skinaria is only slightly organised. A single tavern serves refreshments and traditional Greek dishes and offers a few umbrellas and sunbeds. There is little natural shade and no large resort infrastructure, so bring water and sun protection.
Yes. The bay is sheltered by rock on both sides, so the water stays calm and the entry is gentle, which suits children. Note that naturists tend to use the left-hand side of the beach.
Skinaria is popular with naturists, who usually gather on the left-hand side. Other visitors and families settle on the rest of the beach.
The swimming season runs roughly from May to October, when the water is warm and the weather is settled. Spring and early autumn are quieter than the July-to-August peak.
Yes, there is a small parking area beside the beach. It is enough for beachgoers but fills up during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is wise.
Ammoudi beaches lie a short distance to the west, and the larger, better-organised Damnoni beach is a little further along the coast. Preveli Beach, with its palm-lined river, is another well-known stop in the wider Plakias area.
Situated 35km south of Rethymnon and 5km east of Plakias on Crete island, Damnoni beach is a well-known tourist destination. The resort is fully developed and well-structured, featuring a wide bay with turquoise waters and coarse, whitish sand. Visitors can enjoy numerous facilities including umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. Additionally, there’s a scuba diving centre, top-notch hotels, restaurants, and a horse-riding centre.
The westernmost part of the beach, which is highly organized, is home to a small river that maintains water nearly all year round. The eastern end of the beach is more serene and connects to the neighbouring Ammoudakii beaches via a short unpaved road. Beyond the western end of the beach, you’ll find several secluded small coves with sand and rocks, located right next to the area’s small harbour.
Preveli Beach is a palm-fringed beach and freshwater lagoon on the south coast of Crete, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the Libyan Sea at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko gorge. It sits about 35 km south of Rethymno and 10 km east of Plakias, and is also known as Lake Preveli, Phoenix, or Finikas. Recognised as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it drew hippie travellers in the 1960s and 1970s and remains one of the island’s signature summer spots.
A colony of Theophrastus date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) lines the banks of the Megalos Potamos, one of the few natural palm forests in Europe. The river carries water all year and widens into a long lagoon before it reaches the sea, so the water stays fresh and cool. At the river mouth a beach of pebbles and sand meets the Libyan Sea, and the seawater runs cooler than usual because of the incoming river. A heart-shaped rock, known to locals as the Stone of Lovers, marks the eastern side of the beach.
In August 2010 a major fire burned most of the palm grove, destroying close to 70% of the forest. The Theophrastus palm proved unusually fire-resistant, and the grove regenerated over the following seasons. The beach stays unspoiled, with no umbrellas or built-up shoreline, because it lies within a protected Natura 2000 reserve.
To reach Preveli Beach, choose one of 3 routes, because there is no road directly to the sand and every option ends with a walk:
The stepped path on the west side is in full sun with no shade, and the climb back up is strenuous. Bring water, sun protection, and proper shoes, and set off early in the day. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach this part of the south coast; see car rental in Crete.
The beach has no sunbeds or umbrellas because the area is protected, though a small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks. The sand gives way to slippery rocks and stronger currents once you are in the sea, so take care when swimming. The river side is calm and shallow, and it is good for snorkelling.
A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach, winding through the palm grove to shallow pools where you can cool off when the water level allows. The trail leads into the Kourtaliotiko gorge and stays easy enough for families.
The quieter months of May, June, September, and October are the best time to visit, with warm weather and thinner crowds. Preveli is popular through July and August, so arrive early to find a parking space and beat the heat on the steps.
The beach takes its name from the nearby Preveli Monastery, a men-only monastery founded in the 16th or 17th century and dedicated to St John the Theologian. There are 2 monasteries in the area, the older Piso Monastery and the newer Kato Monastery, near the old Preveli stone bridge. According to local legend, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, stopped in the wider Preveli area on his way home from the Trojan War.
Yes. Preveli pairs a rare natural palm forest and a freshwater lagoon with a south-coast beach on the Libyan Sea, a combination you will not find at most Cretan beaches. It takes effort to reach, but the scenery and the river walk reward the trip.
Drive from Plakias towards Preveli Monastery, park at the cliff-top car park, and walk down the steps to the beach. For an easier approach, drive to Drimiskiano Amoudi and take the short 5-minute path, or take a boat from Agia Galini, Plakias, or Damnoni.
From the west car park, a long flight of steps leads to the beach in roughly 15 to 40 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The path is in full sun with no shade, so carry water and wear proper shoes. The east route from Drimiskiano Amoudi is a flat 5-minute walk.
Yes. There is a guarded car park on the cliff-top above the west side of the beach, and a small daily fee applies. A second car park serves the easier eastern approach from Drimiskiano Amoudi.
No. Because the area is a protected reserve, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the sand. A small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks.
The sea is blue and usually calm, but currents and waves can pick up, and the sandy shore turns to rock underfoot in the water. The river side is cooler and fresher, calm, and good for snorkelling.
May, June, September, and October are the calmest, with warm weather and fewer visitors. In the peak of July and August, arrive early for parking and shade.
Yes. A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach into the palm forest and gorge, leading to shallow pools you can dip in when the water level allows. It is an easy walk suited to families.
Above the Atsipades village in St Basil province, Rethymno, you can find a series of small peaks, with the highest being Kouroupa. The Kouroupa mountain range extends from west to east, separating the villages in the Agios Vassilios valley from the coastal settlements and creating a distinct climate. Kouroupa’s boundaries are well-defined, with two long and majestic canyons, Kourtaliotis and Kotsifos, marking its edges. Beyond Kouroupa’s peak, there are several smaller yet equally stunning peaks.
One of the most beautiful and unique peaks is Korakias, located just above Atsipades. The name Korakias means “the place with crows.” From a distance, Korakias appears impressive and peaky, with steep cliffs on each side and only the south side being easily accessible. This imposing, fortress-like location was chosen by the ancient Minoans as a peak sanctuary. Korakias was identified as a peak sanctuary in 1985, and its discovery has been announced in academic journals on several occasions. In 1989, Dr. Alan Peatfield excavated this peak sanctuary on behalf of the British School at Athens, and numerous papers have been published since then. A few artifacts from Korakias can be viewed at the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon.
Unfortunately, there are no signs explaining the area’s history or providing directions to the site. Korakias can be reached via a rough dirt road starting from Atsipades, but the numerous side-streets can make identifying the peak difficult. However, the view from the peak sanctuary is breathtaking and stretches for several kilometers.
Preveli Monastery (also known as Prevelis Monastery) can be found 37km south of Rethymnon, nestled in a stunning natural landscape on the western slopes of Megalos Potamos (the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge) and the nearby palm grove. The monastery complex consists of two separate monasteries situated 1.7km apart: the Kato (Lower) Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the Piso (Back) Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos.
When approaching from Rethymnon, visitors first encounter the Kato Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodomos (St. John the Baptist), which now lies in ruins. It is situated near the Megalos Potamos river and the region’s arched bridge. The monastery features an irregular arrangement of buildings centered around a courtyard, with the church of Saint John the Baptist at its heart. Surrounding the church are various structures that once housed the dining room, kitchen, abbot’s quarters, monks’ cells, an olive oil press, and storage rooms. The monastery was once in use year-round, as the surrounding land was ideal for cultivation and agriculture. However, it was eventually abandoned after being repeatedly destroyed and plundered by different conquerors of Crete.
The Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit) Monastery likely dates back to the 12th century and had already achieved autonomy and prosperity by the end of Venetian rule. Tragically, on June 15, 1821, local Turks slaughtered the monks and set fire to the monastery.
Subsequently, the damaged monastery became a subsidiary of the Preveli Monastery, and by 1836 it functioned as a widely known school throughout Crete and Gavdos, drawing thousands of students from all over the island.
In the present day, the monastery is home to a monument dedicated to the 200 volunteers led by Demetrios Petropoulakis, who lost their lives in a battle against the Turks on December 5, 1868. The monastery has since been restored and has resumed operations.
The Profitis Elias Monastery, situated on a hill with sweeping views 20km south of Rethymno and adjacent to Roustika village, is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Crete. Founded during the Venetian Era, it is among the island’s most historic convents.
Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by the Ottomans, with the last instance occurring during the 1866 revolution. The monastery played an active role in the resistance against Turkish rule. Consequently, the monastery’s buildings, aside from the temple, were constructed in their present form after 1866. Additionally, Profitis Ilias made a significant contribution to preserving Cretan history by housing the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation.
The monastery features a fortress-like architectural design. At the center of the courtyard, visitors will find a three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebrated on July 20), the Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of Arkadi Monastery, are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete. Surrounding the courtyard are the two-story monks’ cells, an incomplete guest house, and the refectory.
Within the temple, visitors can admire the ancient wooden iconostasis, the throne (dated 1843), and the pulpit. Additionally, numerous relics are housed in the sanctuary, including sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (dating back to 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).
Located at Katevati, 6 km from Akoumia village and at an altitude of 525m, the Holy Monastery of St. Anthony (Agios Antonios) can be reached by a 15-minute car drive on a dirt road from Akoumia.
Constructed after liberation from the Germans in 1945, the monastery was rebuilt by Theodosius Damvakerakis, who spent around 50 years living as a hermit in the area. Until 1974, the location was home to a small chapel. The current monastic complex, complete with temples, monk cells, a courtyard, and ancillary areas, was established by Father Theodosius. Situated on his property at Katevati, the monastery houses the churches of Saint Anthony, Saint Nektarios, and Panagia (Virgin Mary). The most recent addition, the church of Saint Nektarios, features a massive icon representing all Saints. Meanwhile, the church of Panagia, built within a rock, contains the “Unwithering Rose” icon. The monastery’s celebration takes place on January 17.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a hiking gorge 22km south of Rethymno, Crete, Greece, known for its waterfall, its year-round springs, and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos at the base of the cliffs. Kourtaliotiko Gorge runs for 3km between the Kouroupa and Koules mountains, and a paved road cuts through the canyon so you can reach the main viewpoints and the trailhead without a long approach. This guide covers what the gorge is, the waterfall and chapel, how to get there and park, the difficulty, what to see, and the tips worth knowing before you go.
The Swallow Gorge, situated 33km south of Rethymnon city, is in close proximity to the renowned Preveli beach, known for its magnificent palm grove and breathtaking river. The gorge begins from Kenda peak (881m altitude), passes through Drymiskos village, runs nearly parallel to the Kourtaliotiko canyon, and concludes at Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach. It gets its name from the swallows that flock here every summer.
Unlike Kourtaliotiko, this lesser-known canyon is dry during the summer but is still worth a visit. The vertical, awe-striking rocks and the verdant riverbed (which flows in winter) are a sight to behold. The winding Swallow Canyon is relatively easy to hike and doesn’t require any specific skills, despite not being marked.
A significant portion of the canyon runs parallel to the road leading to Amoudi beach, which is where the easy trail to Preveli begins. To find this road, take a left at the picturesque arched bridge of Megalos Potamos that you’ll come across en route to the Preveli monastery. Therefore, even if you’re not much of a walker, you can still enjoy the beauty of the gorge during your visit to Preveli.
The gorge of Kotsifos starts at Kannevos village and ends at Plakias. The starting point is very narrow with a width of about 10m, which gradually increases and reaches 600m. The total length is 1800m, and the almost vertical sides that reach a height of 600m. Inside the gorge, there is a small temple built inside a rocky cavity dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
Hiking in the upper part of the gorge (Kanevos – Bridge of Sellia).
Starting from the village Kanevos you can start hiking on the riverbed and reach the bridge that connects villages Selia and Myrthios (after about one hour of course). Along the way, there are large boulders that block the passage, but with a little attention, you can overcome them. At one point the side-gorge of Boutsinas meets Kotsyfos with an impressive waterfall of 20 meters. In summer the riverbed is dry.
Course in the upper part of the gorge (Bridge of Sellia – Plakias)
At the location of the bridge that heads to Selia, the canyon gradually turns into a wide valley. You can continue our course at the bottom of the gorge, along the riverbed. After meeting a modern temple, after 3-4 minutes you meet a dirt road that heads backwards (opposite the flow of the river). If you follow this road in a few minutes you will meet the springs of Kotsifos where a pond is formed (surrounding villages get water from here). From here onwards, the river has a water flow throughout the year emptying on the beach of Plakias.
Kakoperatos Canyon, situated near the village of Agios Vasilios in the province of the same name, is a tributary of the Megalos River (Kourtaliotis). Its name, which translates to “bad passage” in Greek, indicates the necessity of technical equipment for human access. This stunningly scenic and rugged canyon is perfect for canyoning. It is endowed with water for most of the year and features 7-8 remarkable waterfalls. These create deep ponds filled with clear turquoise waters, making them ideal for jumping.
It’s likely that no other canyon in Crete boasts such vibrant turquoise waters. The canyon’s exit is located adjacent to the last residences of Agios Vasilios, with its stream flowing through the village courtyards!
Set in Lefkogeia, 2.7 km from Ammoudi Beach and 2.8 km from Kleisidi Beach, Andi Vacation Home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features quiet street views and is 29 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 47 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and the apartment can arrange a bicycle rental service.
Psiloritis National Park is 48 km from Andi Vacation Home, while Municipal Garden is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the accommodation.
Boasting accommodation with a balcony, Ekaterini Luxury House is set in Lefkogeia. It features a garden, barbecue facilities, quiet street views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. The air-conditioned holiday home also offers a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with bathrobes.
The holiday home offers a hot tub.
Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from Ekaterini Luxury House, while Kleisidi Beach is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the accommodation.
from
€158
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Situated in the village of Lefkogeia, Villa 5 Anemoi offers traditional, self-catering accommodation with a swimming pool and free WiFi access throughout. Within 2 km, you can reach the beaches of South Crete.
The split-level villa consists of 4 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and large living room with dining area. Facilities include a satellite, flat-screen TV, microwave, stove, fridge, and hairdryer.
The seaside village of Plakias is 4 km away, while the scenic Fargokastelo can be reached at 30 km. Rethymno Town is also 30 km away. Free parking is available on site.
Set in Lefkogeia, 2.5 km from Ammoudi Beach and 2.6 km from Kleisidi Beach, Elia Home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. It is situated 2.7 km from Ammoudaki Beach and features private check-in and check-out.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 30 km from the holiday home, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from Elia Home.
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€71
/night
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